NEW DELHI: India captain Suryakumar Yadav rediscovered his flair with a sparkling knock before rain played spoilsport, forcing the first T20 International against Australia to be abandoned on Wednesday.

Suryakumar looked in sublime touch, smashing an unbeaten 39 off 24 balls, while his deputy Shubman Gill remained not out on 37 from 20 deliveries. The pair added a quickfire 62 runs off just 35 balls for the second wicket, putting India in a commanding position before steady showers cut the innings short.

After a lean patch in 2025, Suryakumar looked back to his best. He picked up a delivery from Josh Hazlewood and sent it soaring over the square leg fence, a reminder of his trademark confidence and clean striking. Benefiting from the lively bounce at Manuka Oval, the Indian skipper farmed the strike early on before cutting loose in Nathan Ellis’s over, where he produced a flurry of boundaries followed by a towering six over midwicket.

Gill, at the other end, combined composure with aggression, showcasing elegant timing and power. His slog-swept six over cow corner off Matt Kuhnemann signalled India’s intent, and the runs began to flow freely thereafter.

Two rain interruptions disrupted the innings, but the 4.4 overs after the first break proved highly productive, yielding 54 runs. With the ball getting damp, the Australian bowlers struggled for control and grip.

Earlier, Abhishek Sharma gave India a brisk start with 19 off 14 balls, hitting three boundaries off Xavier Bartlett before falling to a slower one from Ellis, lofting it straight to mid-off.

India were 97/2 in 9.4 overs when persistent rain had the final say, ending what promised to be an exciting contest on a disappointing note.

(With PTI Inputs)